We review the best and worst performing ETFs across all asset classifications for Q3 and YTD 2025.

This week marks our quarterly review of the best and worst-performing ETFs for the second quarter of 2025. Using the Security Screener on our platform, we refined our search within seven different classifications, applying liquidity screens for average volume and net assets, while continuing to exclude leverage or inverse ETFs. This provides a summary of which areas saw the most improvement over the past three months, and which areas saw the most weakness.

We have split the conversation today into two segments. The classifications for all ETFs and US sector ETFs are shown in the first segment. The second image shows the other asset classifications, including international equities, commodities, fixed income, and currencies. Each set of images has quarterly performance on the top and annual performance on the bottom. We have also provided some brief commentary on important observations to accompany each section.

All ETFs & US Sectors

Key Observations:

• Cryptocurrencies continue to have a stellar year, with Q3 being one of its strongest quarters yet. Ethereum led the way to the upside, as the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) was the best performing fund last quarter.
• Meanwhile, metals and metal companies have lifted off even higher in Q3 following incredibly strong starts to the year. The improvement of metals has seen the top five funds by YTD performance all come from metal miners.
• Income focused areas continue to be some of the weakest funds both this quarter and this year. Meanwhile, medical companies took a hit last quarter, seeing several funds among the bottom ten.

International Equities, Commodities, Fixed Income, & Currencies

Key Observations:

• It was a mostly positive quarter for bond funds, as only one major ETF fell last quarter. Meanwhile, convertible bonds have led the way to the upside across both Q3 and the broader year, with iShares Convertible Bond ETF ICVT gaining 11.5% last quarter.
• The dollar had an alright Q3, seeing many foreign currencies among the worst performers this quarter. Despite a rising dollar this quarter, we saw solid performances from both commodities and international equities. 
• Strength within the commodity space continues to be dominated by metals, with gold, silver, copper and platinum all among the top six this quarter and YTD.
• International equities saw broad based strength, but the group was helped the most by emerging markets, with EEM rising over 10%. Meanwhile, China, Vietnam, and Peru hold the top spots among Q3 performers.